Pet people are a special breed. This blog is for anyone who can't get enough news about the animals in our lives.

Pet lady: That's my role in the Miami Herald newsroom. I've been here since 1989, during which time I've had 11 dogs, a ring-necked parakeet, a chicken, and a lizard named Lance. At the moment, I have four dogs, one step-dog, and two cockatiels. A native New Yorker, I came here from Louisville, Ky. I'm a graduate of the University of Arizona, and had a Nieman Fellowship at Harvard in 1988. I have written 309 stories containing the word "dog" in the past 20 years.

Pet psychic Diane Roadcap will be on site both days conducting pet readings, and the South Florida K9 Frisbee champions will be performing and holding clinics. Florida's top flyball teams will battle it out for this year's National American Flyball Association Tournament.

For the dogs: the Doggie Fun Zone, Off-leash Area and Splash & Dash Pools. Canine trainers will be available for pet behavior questions and there will be a microchip clinic.

The federal Pet Safety and Protection Act, S. 714/H.R. 1280, would prohibit Class B Dealers and unlicensed individuals from selling dogs and cats to research laboratories.

Class B Dealers are people who collect dogs and cats from random sources and sell them to the research industry. They sometimes obtain their animals through illegal or unethical means, such as by responding to “free to good home” ads in newspapers, falsifying records to keep the true origins of the animals unknown, and stealing pets kept outside in yards.

The Pet Safety and Protection Act would provide a much-needed safety net to ensure beloved pets are not stolen or acquired under false pretenses and sold to research laboratories.

Rick Richter has been named director of the Broward County Animal Care and Regulation Division (ACARD). Richter has served Broward County for more than 20 years. He has been ACARD's assistant director since June 1995, and was named interim director after the incumbent Alan Davis retired earlier this year. Prior to joining ACARD, Richter worked for the Broward County Parks and Recreation Division, and held various public sector positions in West Virginia. He has a bachelor's degree in biology and general science from West Liberty (West Virginia) State College.

"Rick brings extensive experience in public sector work and in animal care to this position," said Larry Lietzke, director of Broward County's Community Services Department, in announcing the appointment. "We are pleased he has assumed responsibility for this important Broward County program."

Richter assumes responsibility for a division with a staff of 60.ACARD performs a public health function by coordinating through local veterinarians the vaccination and licensing of dogs and cats. The division operates two animal shelters where residents may adopt or surrender a dog or cat, or redeem a lost animal.

Under the Division's popular S.P.O.T. program (Stop Pet Overpopulation Together), low- and moderate-income families can get their dogs and cats spayed and neutered ("fixed") for $10.00. The Division also offers low-cost rabies vaccination and pet license clinics to low-income pet owners in Broward County. ACARD officers also enforce the County's animal ordinance, pick up stray animals and rescue animals in distress. Anyone who finds a lost pet with tags may be able to locate the pet's owner through the Pet License Information Database onbroward.org/animal.

The Humane Society of the United States has been keeping an eye on the Wizard of Claws situation and recently sent the following letter to donors:

For years, the Wizard of Claws -- Broward County's infamous puppy mill front group -- has deceived customers by selling very unhealthy puppies. The heartache of former Wizard of Claws customers, whose puppies suddenly got sick or even died, was exposed last year in an investigation by WTVJ-TV (NBC 6) in Miramar, Florida.

The Wizard of Claws portrays itself as a boutique "breeder network" catering to the stars, selling dogs who are from a "few select breeders." The truth is that many of the puppies sold by the Wizard of Claws are mass-produced at out-of-state puppy mills.

You can help put a stop to the Wizard of Claws' misleading sales tactics! If you've purchased a puppy through the company, please contact us right away. Or if you have friends, neighbors, or family members who have done so, please share this e-mail with them.

These pictures aren't great, but Puchy is! He a 2-year-old Chihuahua mix.

Here's the info: Extremely friendly, low-maintenance, all he wants is LOVE! Very quiet, not a barker. He likes sunbathing and belly rubs. Desperate for a good home and a loving person. Call 786-486-8804.

Seriously delinquent on your pet's licensing and/or vaccinations? You've got until May 31 to take care of it without penalty from Miami-Dade Animal Services Department. An amnesty lets you off the hook for citations prior to Dec. 31, 2005. Citations issued after Jan. 1, 2006, don't fall under the amnesty.

"We want to encourage responsible pet ownership so we are waiving citation fees, no questions asked," said Dr. Sara Pizano, Animal Services director. "We hope to have all cats and dogs registered not only for identification purposes in case they are lost, but also, for dogs, it’s the law."

Miami-Dade residents who own and "harbor'' a cat or dog over the age of four months must have the pet vaccinated against rabies by a licensed veterinarian. All dogs must get license tags and wear them at all times. Animal Services provides rabies shots for $7; license tags for spayed/neutered dog for $25, $35 for intact dogs. Owners on public assistance: rabies shot and license tag, $2.

If you believe Animal Services’ records are inaccurate, provide proof of compliance by May 31 (download a form from the website).After June 1, owners of unlicensed pets will be subject to immediate civil citation in accordance with Chapter 5, Section 8, of the Code of Miami-Dade County.

To learn more about the amnesty, regulations and services through the department, visit animals.miamidade.gov, or call 305-884-1101. To see adoptable animals, visit the shelter at 7401 NW 74th St., Medley.

I'm in the last category myself. I forgot to notify the department that my old shepherd, Kendall, died last year, so I've been cited for not renewing her tags.

Hurricane season. Groan.......But we have to live with (in and through) it, and so do our critters. So this weekend it would be a great idea to check out the Hurricane Preparedness Dog Fair, this Saturday 3/24), hosted by Leadership Miami at Miami Children’s Museum (980 MacArthur Causeway), 1pm-4pm.

Interesting court case in Arizona: Katrina survivor vs. adoptive family of her dog. It's not a unique situation, and was resolved in favor of the original owner. Click here to read the story in the Arizona Republic (Phoenix) and readers' comments.